Viticulturist - Wine Estate Management

Placements24; Richards Bay; Presencial; ZAR 700 000 - 900 000; Tempo integral

Vantagens oferecidas por esta oferta de emprego

On-site accommodation

Health insurance

Wine allowance

Professional development

State-of-the-art vineyard technology

Retirement savings plan

Annual leave

Public holidays

Resumo da oferta

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Viticulturist for a prestigious wine estate in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. You will manage vineyards, optimize soil health, irrigation, pests, and harvesting to deliver premium grapes in line with winemaking objectives.

The role requires a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Viticulture or related field and at least five years in commercial viticulture, preferably in SA. A valid driver’s license is essential.

Qualificações

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Viticulture, Horticulture, Plant Science, or related agriculture field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in commercial viticulture, preferably in a wine-producing region.
• Demonstrated vineyard management experience, ideally in South Africa.

Responsabilidades

• Oversee all vineyard operations for the estate in Richards Bay, including planting, pruning, training, canopy management, and trellising.
• Develop and implement vineyard management plans focusing on soil health, water management, and vine nutrition.
• Monitor vineyard conditions for pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies with timely control measures.

Conhecimentos

Leadership

Data analysis

Record-keeping

Vineyard management

Technical viticulture

Formação académica

Bachelor's degree in Viticulture

Master's degree in Viticulture

Ferramentas

Precision agriculture tools

Descrição da oferta de emprego

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious wine estate located in the scenic Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal region, is seeking an accomplished Viticulturist to manage and enhance their vineyards. This role is central to the production of premium wines, demanding a deep expertise in grape cultivation, vineyard health, and yield optimization. The Viticulturist will be responsible for all aspects of vineyard operations, from soil management and vine nutrition to pest control and harvesting, ensuring the highest quality grapes are produced. You will work closely with the winemaking team to align vineyard practices with the desired wine profiles. This is an exceptional opportunity for a passionate and experienced individual to shape the future of a renowned wine estate. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of cool-climate viticulture and a proven ability to manage vineyard resources effectively in the unique Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal environment. We are committed to sustainable practices and innovation in winemaking and viticulture.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all vineyard operations for the estate in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal , including planting, pruning, training, canopy management, and trellising.
• Develop and implement comprehensive vineyard management plans, focusing on soil health, water management, and vine nutrition.
• Monitor vineyard conditions for pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies, implementing timely and effective control measures.
• Manage irrigation systems to ensure optimal vine hydration and stress management.
• Plan and supervise harvesting operations to ensure optimal grape maturity and quality.
• Conduct regular vineyard assessments and trials to evaluate new techniques and varietals.
• Manage vineyard labor, including recruitment, training, and supervision.
• Maintain detailed records of vineyard activities, crop yields, and quality assessments.
• Collaborate with the winemaker to achieve specific grape quality parameters for wine production.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant environmental regulations and sustainable farming practices.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Viticulture, Horticulture, Plant Science, or a related agricultural discipline.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in commercial viticulture, preferably in a wine-producing region.
• Demonstrated experience in managing vineyards, ideally within the South African context.
• In-depth knowledge of grape vine physiology, diseases, pests, and their management.
• Strong understanding of soil science, climate influences, and water management in viticulture.
• Experience with vineyard mapping and precision agriculture tools is a plus.
• Excellent leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in record-keeping and data analysis.
• A passion for wine and a commitment to producing high-quality grapes.
• A valid driver's license.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• On-site accommodation or housing allowance.
• Comprehensive health insurance plan.
• Generous wine allowance and discounts.
• Opportunities for professional development and industry engagement.
• Access to state-of-the-art vineyard technology.
• Be part of a renowned and historic wine estate.
• Dynamic and picturesque working environment.
• Retirement savings plan.
• Annual leave and public holidays.